By Angie Yeh
What’s the best park to go to? In my opinion, it’s your neighborhood park. Sure, it has its flaws: there are no restrooms, an insufficient number of swings, and the worn turf is crumbling off the playground. But the local park is conveniently two blocks away, so familiar that your toddler knows the way there, and you can count on seeing the regulars at the usual time of day.
I have a lot of nostalgia for my childhood neighborhood park. It was the only place my anxious mother would let my older sister and I walk to by ourselves, (insisting I wear a bike helmet while on foot in case there were any reckless drivers on our suburban streets). We spent countless lazy hours on the rickety wooden playground, wishing there were more kids to play with in our neighborhood. I had a favorite tree with a comfortable perch that I pictured in my mind when I lay awake at night, plotting my scheme to run away from home and secretly live at the park. I had my Sesame Street sleeping bag and my stuffed dog Rover at the ready whenever I felt disenfranchised by my family. When I was 10, I finally got my wish fulfilled of getting a real dog. It became our family’s routine to take Digit on a walk after dinner to the park, letting her race to her preferred spot under the trees. In our teens, my sister and I woke up early to run laps around the paved loop, becoming friendly with all the seniors on their morning stroll who cheered us on.
When I was in my 20s, my dad called me one day, excitedly recounting the drama in the local newspaper about our beloved park. Due to a lack of space, the town was considering renovating our sleepy neighborhood park, mostly frequented by grandparents and their dogs, into a weekend destination complete with soccer fields, sport courts, a parking lot and restrooms. Surrounding neighbors protested the proposal with lengthy Letters to the Editor and strongly worded petitions. A city council meeting lasted five-and-a-half hours as 80 people spoke on the issue. I felt torn, because as a former youth soccer player, finding suitable soccer fields in the Bay Area had always been a problem. Plus, a bathroom would be nice, many times we had to sprint home prematurely to avoid disasters. Ultimately though, I wanted to protect our peaceful, unexciting park and preserve its natural grove of redwood trees. In a lucky twist, the city found another location for soccer fields, but decided to add restrooms, sport courts, and a meditation garden without leveling any of the existing trees and hills in the park. My parents still live in my childhood home, so now when we go visit, I get to take my kids to enjoy the same park with all its improvements.
When I was chatting with an old friend about the tiny neighborhood park in SF we used to take our toddlers to, she mentioned that she doesn’t necessarily miss the neighborhood after moving away. It was more the sentiment for that time period in our lives when it was vital to have a place to go after naps for endless swing time and looking for ants. Our friendship blossomed back then when we both suggested a 7:30 am playdate at the park with our early risers. Whatever your neighborhood park lacks in utility, the time you spend there will be enough for your kids to remember fondly.
Here’s a list of local parks that are in my rotation with two little kids:
SHADY PARKS
Location: 1525 Balboa Way, Burlingame, CA 94010
Notes: With an updated playground, this cool spot is great for both toddlers and older kids.
Location: 313 W. 39th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94010
Notes: Water play may happen in the little creek, and there are wood chips on the park grounds.
Location: 1 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, CA 94002
Notes: There’s a gated playground, lion statues, and free afternoon concerts in the summer.
ENCLOSED PARKS
So you’ve got a runner…
Location: 2900 Baze Road, San Mateo, CA 94403
Notes: This is a toddler favorite because of good sight lines and there’s also a sandbox.
Location: 1030 Vista Road, Hillsborough, CA 94010
Notes: There are winding roads to get there and no restrooms, but it’s peaceful and beautiful.
Location: 3471 Glendora Dr, San Mateo 94403
Notes: There’s no shade on the playground, but there’s a large grassy area with trees next to it. Great place for easy trails as well, but watch out for poison oak and snakes!
UPDATED PLAY STRUCTURES
Something new in the neighborhood!
Location: 850 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010
Notes: Best on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds, there’s artificial grass turf that is perfect for a pre-walker. Not gated.
Location: 248 Primrose Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010
Notes: Small, gated, and next to the parking lot. Best on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. After visiting the library and picking up your Philz order downtown, let your toddler run around here before heading home.
Location: 30 Howard Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010
Notes: Cool new space theme, gated, no restrooms.
Curiodyssey Whoosh! Magical Bridge Playground
Location: 1651 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo, CA 94401
Notes: The playground is included in admission to Curiodyssey, you must make reservations and purchase tickets to the museum. Not gated, but semi enclosed and near the animals, say hi to Gunner! Afterwards, check out Magic Mountain Playground within Coyote Point, we love the dragons!
Magical Bridge Playground (Redwood City)
Location: 939 Valota Rd Redwood City, CA 94061
Notes: Another great inclusive playground, take note of the rules and guidance.
Mia’s Dream Come True Playground
Location: 28377 Huntwood Ave, Hayward, CA 94544
Notes: The origin story behind this inclusive playground is truly inspiring!
WALK/STROLLER/SCOOTER/BIKE
I need to stretch my legs but I also have the kids with me…
Location: 1801 J Hart Clinton Dr., San Mateo, CA 94401
Notes: I like to park at Seal Point Park, go walk the Bay Trail and then let the kids play here. There is a splash pad, but the water features have been turned off recently.
Crystal Springs Sawyer Camp Trail
Location: 950 Skyline Boulevard, Burlingame, CA 94010
Notes: I like to park at the North Trailhead in Millbrae. My toddler likes to hang out on the bridge and say hi to the ducks in the reservoir. Beware of the many bicyclists who share the trail.
Location: Old Guadalupe Trail, Daly City, CA 94014
Notes: I like to park in the residential area on Crocker Street in Daly City at the Crocker Gate Trailhead. The path is shady with several benches along the way to stop for snacks and a story.
Location: 22500 Cristo Rey Dr Los Altos, CA 94024
Notes: Parking can be full at peak times. Entice your littles to make the 1 mile walk to the farm, there’s a cow, sheep, chickens, and the plumpest bunnies we’ve ever seen!
BEST DAY EVER
Venturing out for a full day of fun, but a car nap might (probably will) happen…
Location: 2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd Berkeley, CA 94708
Notes: The carousel and little farm are near the Canon Drive entrance and the steam train is near the Lomas Cantadas entrance. Bring full lettuce leaves to feed the animals at the farm!
Tennessee Valley Trail to the Beach
Location: 591 Tennessee Valley Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Notes: When we lived in SF, I used to do this hike with my 3 year old. I’d recommend bringing a carrier, jogging stroller, or toddler balance bike for the trek back as little legs tire out. Check out this blog post for details of the hike. Everyone will sleep well that night!
Location: 333 Blossom Hill Rd Los Gatos, CA 95032
Notes: This was my family’s favorite picnic spot when I was a kid, you can rent paddle boats on the lake. Right next door is Oak Meadow Park with a playground, a carousel, and a steam train that goes through Vasona Park. Stop for gelato in downtown Los Gatos on the way home!